It’s the first Friday of October, so that means Downtown Bentonville has all sorts of fun planned for the occasion. 

• Foodies get ready: The theme for this month’s First Friday event is Oktoberfest. Today is also the kickoff of Art & Culinary Week in Downtown Bentonville. In addition to the available German food and drink, you know there’s going to be some goodness ready for you to taste. 
• Get funky: Festivities will run from 3p-9p, which include yoga on the square, a beer garden, or should we say biergarten, on Central and A Street, music, dancing (Polka please?), and all the First Friday activities you love! 

For more details, click HERE. 

The non-profit, Dress for Success, opened a new location in Fayetteville at the St. James Outreach Center. 

• Service: Dress for Success is more than a place to get professional attire, its a place for empowerment and community for women. The model for success includes resources like a center for career development, programs for job readiness & retention, mentoring and more. 
• Impact: Since 2013 in Northwest Arkansas, Dress for Success has served over 2,000 women, impacting over 13,000 lives through its mission for women’s economic independence. The Rogers branch is located in the Frisco Station Mall. 

Learn more about Dress for Success HERE. 

The most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that compared to last year, jobs in Arkansas are increasing - especially in NWA.

• Working NWA: With a rise of 6.8%, NWA saw the biggest increase in employment out of the three largest metro regions in Arkansas. NWA also saw the lowest metro jobless rate at 2.7% in August. 
• Job count: Central Arkansas, the Fort Smith metro region, and NWA collectively accounted for 30,972 more people with jobs compared to August 2020. Of those accounted for, 18,319 were in NWA.

Click HERE to read the August job numbers report. 

Welcome to Friday - here is what we'd recommend checking out this weekend in NWA...

• Throwback: There's a 90s music tribute band playing at George's for free tonight!
• Pottery party: Throw some pots on Dickson St this Saturday at Pottery on the Patio.
• Someones treasure: The Fall Junk Ranch is happening this weekend in Prairie Grove.
• Carnival: Get your funnel cakes and cotton candy at the Benton County Fair through this Saturday!
• Fall on the Farm: Riverchrest Orchard is open for picking, playing, and corn mazing.
• In the club: The Rapha pop-up club house opens today in Bentonville. Go check it out!
• Magic show: Super Saturdays are back at the Fayetteville Public Library.
• Ozark sounds: It's not too late to get in on the FreshGrass Festival at the Momentary.
• Bike journey: Ride or watch the Fall Square to Square ride tomorrow morning.

See you Monday ✌️